A.N: Revised(14) More scenes, more dialogues.

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Home Bound

After a long journey, we finally reached the narrow edge of the gorge where a beautiful view of Rivendell dwelled. The city was tiny from my viewpoint but none of the less it took my breath away when the sunlight highlighted the shadows. The trees and cliffs framed it. The splendor of this homely house warmed this frightened heart. I clenched to hope from the sight, feared it would disappear. I've never been so happy to see my home again… wait, what? Home? As stared at Rivendell, I noticed a small fleet of Elves rode behind Lord Elrond and they made their way to us. Home… yes, this was my home. It felt like home. I lost my heart to this place. Never before have I felt so…. Homesick. I ached for my bed and I missed my archery lesson and… surprisingly, I missed studying. Even the merciless Keeper of the Library. I smiled… this was indeed my home.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and I snapped to the side where Gandalf stood next to me. His eyes were soft and knowing. As if he knew what I was thinking. He offered a smile. I pursed my lips and I surprised Gandalf and myself when I embraced him. I felt his chest vibrate from chuckles due to my actions. Gingerly, he rubbed my arm comforting.

Swiftly, I moved from him when Lord Elrond and his horsemen drew closer. The distance hooves clapping on the ground grew louder and louder. Finally they arrived in front of us. Lord Elrond jumped from his horse with utter speed and embraced his daughter in a tight squeeze. No doubt he worried dreadfully when our horses came riderless. Just as quickly, he embraced Arwen. He swiftly grabbed my forearm and brought me beneath his arm. He embraced us and sighed with relief. After he released us, he went for his sons but it was swift embrace. He shook hands with Gandalf and thanked him.

"Let us return to Rivendell. We will feast on this night for we have been blessed." Lord Elrond said gently and no one objected. I smiled widely to the thought of returning home. A horse rider from the guards pulled me up onto his horse. My companions joined another as we swiftly returned back to Rivendell.

Upon returning to Rivendell, elves waited at the entrance for our arrival. Worry was planted on most of there faces while other were relieved. Our tardiness had worried many in Rivendell. Once we were known, the horn of Rivendell rang and the elves broke out in smiles. Once the rider came to a stop in the courtyard, I hopped off. Some maidens ran to the twins with eagerness and offered their concerns. As other elves embraced Arwen. There was much joy that only forced me to smile especially when Elladan tried to pry the young maidens off his arms. Elrohir had enjoyed the attention and willingly offered his arm to them as they listened to his story.

Since I've been gone, the flowers were starting to bloom with bright colors. I loved this season. Spring always had been best time of the year no matter where. Before I allowed anyone to lead me away to my room for rest, I hurried to the stables with anticipation filled my chest. Inside, much to my relief was Nerra. I smiled and swiftly embraced her neck. "Oh Nerra! You are well, my beloved horse!"

My fingers brushed through her mane as she continued to eat her oats. I inhaled her horse smell with eagerness and hugged her tightly. She nickered and rubbed her nose against my arm. With a chuckle, I brushed her soft nose. After my short reunion with my horse, I returned to the halls of Rivendell. I marched my way to my room. I said my good afternoon to anyone I passed by with a bright smile. Being home had felt so good compared to my homeworld where I dreaded the idea of home. But here, I welcomed it with opened arms.

I rounded a corner where I found my door leading to my room. Once I entered, my mouth dropped. It was empty… All my belongings were not here. Swiftly I ran to my armoire and there were no clothes. The bed had no pillows or comforter. It was bland. Did I truly forget where my room was or was this some game?

"My lady." I heard from behind and I swiftly turned. There stood elf that held her posture with dignity. Even though she looked young, her eyes and demeanor gave me the idea that she was very old. Her long blond hair was straightened to her thighs and her blue orbs stared at me.

"What happened? Where are my belongings and pillow…. and comforter?" My voice was saddened, almost weak. Was I getting kicked out or something? Did I do something wrong? It sure didn't felt like it.

The maid smiled gently and placed her hands on her hips. "Well my lady, I was suppose to lead you to your room when you ran to the stables." She scolded maternally; her voice deepened but held experience. This was one elf that I knew I did not want to upset. "Lord Elrond had relocated you."

I furrowed my eyebrows curiously and in confusion. "He relocated me? Where?" I inquired, my voice full of emotion.

She smiled at my sad face and shook her head. "Follow me." She swiftly turned on her heel and began to walk away. Swiftly I had to run to catch up with her. She walked with such gracefulness and that smile was still painted on her lips. "The room you were staying in was met for visitors. Since you are no longer a visitor, Lord Elrond wanted to move you to your permitted room. He spoke of this, no?"

Briefly, I remembered at the council with the guardians, after my fate was decided... Lord Elrond offered me to stay in Rivendell for all my days. A smile broke out of my face and I felt like giggling like a small girl on Christmas. I will have a room to myself. The maid glanced behind and smiled at my eagerness.

"What is your name?" I inquired suddenly, her recognized her face but she served only Arwen and the twins. She was always a busy elf, always in hurry to reach somewhere and had never the time to converse.

"I am Lady Ethel, wife to Idir guard of Rivendell. I served Lord Elrond's children for two thousand years." She stated with self-respect ringing in her voice.

"If you serve Lord Elrond's children then why are you serving me?" I inquired with much confusion in my voice as I tried to piece together the puzzle. Swiftly Lady Ethel stopped in her task that made me almost run into her. Surprised by her suddenly action, I frowned.

"I am serving you because you, my dear Amelia are Lord Elrond's foster child." She stated, her voice slightly harsh. As if I should already know. Lady Ethel held respect for Lord Elrond. "If anyone takes in a child and offers not only shelter but education and love… then they are fostered. And that's what you are. Lord Elrond wishes that you are relocated next to Lady Arwen's room. Over the months, anew chamber had been build."

I bit my lower lip, as if I felt slightly shameful. I winced to the name child that she used. Then again, compare to these elves, I suppose I was a child. I felt older than that. Never before did I take account that Lord Elrond took me in as his foster child. That did explains why he did treat me like his daughter. I smiled shyly to that thought. Lady Ethel smiled pleasing to my smirk and said, "There, you understand now. Let us continue to your room and no more of these ridiculous questions."

She turned and continued to lead me to the other side of the estate where Lord Elrond and his children stay. It was certainly a fancier area with more statues and decorative artwork. I never came to this side before for I felt I was intruding on their private courters and now I will sleep here too. I heard Lady Ethel spoke up with authority in her voice, "For now on, if you are need of anything you come to me or one of my ladies that you will surely meet. I understand you have undertaken many studies; training and also have Lord Elrond training you in medical. That is a hard feat you've chosen my dear…. I will monitor and schedule your studying and training until you've completed your education… Are we understood?"

"I… yes." I hesitantly said, afraid to object. If Lord Elrond assigned her to me than if I object, I would object him too.

She smiled, pleased with my answer. Finally we arrived to my new room. The door was wide open and inside was two other ladies. Upon entering my new room, my jaw dropped to the room. It was freshly build; My hands grazed the stone and its build shape. The room was large. It took three of my previous rooms to create this one room. The ceiling was vaulted with marble and the edges had beautiful decorated trimming. The floors were a light cream marble with statues within the walls. The room was full of outside light that shined in from the opened windows. A large bed was planted against the far wall and the comforter was thicker and softer. An armoire was on the side filled with my dresses. To my right was a grand fireplace with bookshelves on either side of it. An open bathing chamber was on the right side with a large built-in tub. Chaise chairs were sprawled across the room. This room was stunning…

"You are pleased, good." Lady Ethel said with a lighter voice as she approached to other two elves that stood off, waited. Lady Ethel gestured to them individually to introduce them to me. "These are Selemela and my daughter Nessa. We will serve for now on. Yes? Good…. Now Lord Elrond planned a party this fortnight for the safe return of his four children. It's short notice but, we need to prepare you for tonight."

Four children? I repeated in my head. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I felt my heart swell. Before another word was spoken, Lady Ethel continued firmly, "I'll be assisting Lady Arwen, you have Selemela and Nessa to dress you."

With that, she left without a word or even allowed me to utter anything. Confused, I look back at the two ladies that stared at me expectedly. "Uh, hi." I said coolly and waved shyly. Ness smiled apologetically and immediately approached.

"Let us prepare you." She turned and nodded at Selemale who went straight to the bathing chamber and filled it with warm water and mixed oils. Before I could protest, Nessa started to undress me started with my cloak, much to my dismay. She stripped me of my clothing until I was bare and embarrassed by my modesty. I swiftly covered my private parts. My cheeks were red, as I felt utterly exposed and self-conscious. Nessa spoke up, "Do not be shy, it just Selemela and I. We do shy ourselves from you and so you do not shy yourself from us. Come."

Yeah, like they will ever let me wash them… that were a weird thought, I swiftly shook my head. Swiftly, she reached out for my arm and pulled me toward the bathtub. I submerged quickly into my water, hiding myself. That was embarrassing and what's worse, they weren't modest enough to look away. They grabbed sponges and went to work. As if I could not wash myself. "Umm. You know, I am well versed in washing myself."

"Nonsense… We will wash you until you shine." Selemale spoke up for the first time. "You ought to be used to this my lady. You are now a Lady of Rivendell and it's our duty to attend to you."

"I washed myself just fine before…"

"Before you were a visitor and most visitors are not custom to our ways. But you no longer a visitor now are you, my lady." She questioned like a teacher that knew I had no other answer.

I pursed my lips and shook my head that earned me a smile. "But…"

Let them attend to you and stop being difficult.

I am not difficult! I countered Nalana with irritation. This was not common in my home world. Oh dear. They were not shy about washing me in certain areas that would have them avoid. They were persisted and insisted I needed washing. I surprised by the dirt that flowed through the water. They ushered me out and cleaned out the water as I stood with oils over my skin. Fresh clean water was filled again and I pushed back into the water. They washed my long ebony hair with lavender scented oils and salts. "You have lovely hair." Nessa compliment as she attended to my hair and Selemale went for my feet and hands.

After my embarrassing bathing treatment, I came out of the water. Selemale wrapped me in a long and soft robe. Never again did I want to endure that but I had a feeling it was offensive if I said something else. I frown and let them continue their treatment. They brought me to the vanity and set to work. I hoped Arwen was doing better than me. Of course, she was use this whereas I wasn't.

Nessa combed out my damp hair and dried it with a fresh towel whereas Selemale rubbed oils onto my skin and face. I watched through the mirror as they working. It was awkward but I remained quiet. After they were done with their current duty, they both talked over how to do my hair. They tried out different hairdo and I had a feeling they enjoyed this a little too much. I sighed as they laughed and chatted. It was like have a slumber party with other teenage girls that were too … well… girlie.

Nessa decided with a hairstyle without so much asking my permission. When I offered that my hair was just fine down and loose, she immediately protested and insisted that I do things her way. Somehow, she was convinced that I would be happy with her way. I sighed and allowed her to do her worse. Which by the way, she did. My hair was pulled back in a large and loose braid with ribbons and gems wounded into my hair. The braid went down my back until it reached my bottom. This past almost years, my hair has grown longer. It reached to my knees but in a braid it was shortened to my bottom. At the top of my head, was a silver circlet with a single white gem in the middle. Selemela chose an elegant silver dress with snowflake inspired design. The trim was off my shoulders with long surpassing my wrist bell sleeves. The helm of my dress went straight down my legs and fanned out at my feet. The dress hugged my waist and showed off my small hips. When I look at the mirror, my mouth dropped which earned me giggles from my maids. I looked like a princess from the fourteen hundreds in my homeworld. "Thank you. You've done a beautiful work and I do appreciate it."

They smiled and nodded their heads respectfully. A knock came to the door and Selemela said with a high pitched voice, "You're escort is here!"

They pushed me toward the door and I almost stumbled on my dress. "My escort?" I inquired in confusion. Who was my escort? No one told me about that. When Nessa opened the door, in the doorway was Elladan. Who was dressed up in fine elvish wear with a circlet on his crown. He looked handsome in my eyes and I smiled at him when he was loss for words.

"I…umm … I.. I am here to escort you." He fumbled his words and a slight blush came onto his cheek.

I suppressed a giggle and said, "Its only me, Elladan. Under all this, I am still your dear Amelia." I said with a large smile.

He chuckled, "Of course my dear Amelia. Let us not be late."

I took his arm as he led me yet again to another party. We walked down the halls toward the main ballroom. Elves past us and had too stop and gawked at us. I felt slightly embarrassed but I could not hide my smile. Suddenly, I felt like pretty woman. I flashed my smile proudly as we walked by. Finally we reached the ballroom that was full of elves dressed finely for this event. "You elves truly enjoy parties." I whispered to Elladan.

He chuckled and whispered back, "Life is precious my dear Amelia. We must celebrate what matter most."

He led me to the main table where only Lord Elrond and Elrohir sat at. Elrohir smiled at me and nodded his head. Lord Elrond stood up and embraced me and gently placed a peck on my forehead. I sat next to Elladan and Elrohir who seemed not able to remove their eyes. It was flattering but also strange. They were more like brothers. Suddenly, emerging from the crowd were Aragorn and Arwen. They were a stunning couple that made me felt slightly jealous but I rid myself of that. Arwen sat next to me and smile, "You look beautiful, Amelia."

I smiled, "As do you. Although, that doesn't take much for you."

She chuckled and placed a hand over my mine. Food and drinks were offered to all. I munched on pastries until Lord Elrond insisted that I eat something solid. All sweets were removed from me, much to my dismay. I went for some vegetables. Music started and elves began to dance. One thing, I've noticed that parties in Rivendell, they were not as formal as those in Lothlorien. Here they danced and be merry. Elladan was the first to ask for a dance. "I don't dance." I protested in a low voice, tried not to bring attention to myself.

He chuckled at me response, "Every ones dance. It's a matter how terrible you are." He smiled at his own joke that only earned him a frown from me.

"Please, no."

"My dear Amelia, what would you do if a Lord of another realm asks you to dance? Would you say no and embarrass this homely house. Now come, you must not start with me." He insisted and he pulled me up from my chair and led me to the dance floor. My heart pounded as I tired not to embarrass myself. Elladan was such a manipulator and he knew it. Of course it worked for I would do nothing that would shame the house of Lord Elrond. Elladan moved us to the middle of the floor to my dismay. He placed my hand on his shoulder and held my other. "It will be fine. You just need to follow my lead."

I nodded as he started to move. Of course I was stiffer than a washboard. There were several times when I stepped on his feet and he would moan as I stifled a chuckled. Well, he deserved it, that's for sure. At first, he would frown and then melted to a soft smile. After a while, I noticed someone place a hand on Elladan shoulder. It was Linderiel, the head gardener. He questioned politely, "May I have a dance with the lady?"

Elladan sent me an unsure glance and nodded, "Of course."

Do not leave me! I wanted to say. It was fine to step on Elladan feet but not on Linderiel or anyone else. I swallowed… Or dear, please do not trip… do not trip… do not trip…

"My Lady Amelia may I have this dance." He inquired with a small bow of his head and his eyes were hopeful. I sent a nervous glance to Elladan who encouraged me with a smile.

I muttered an uncertain smile, "Of course." My voice was pathetic but Linderiel did not know me well enough to judge that. He simply smiled and pulled me into his arms. He started to lead the dance. I was impressed with his elegant movement. On the garden, his hands were rough and strong from handling plants and the moist ground. But here, he was gentle. Things were fine until I accidently stepped on to his foot. "Ouch." He muffled.

"Oh, I am sorry, Linderiel." I hurried and when I looked down toward his foot. My head collided with his. "Ouch, I am so sorry. Are you ok?"

"Uh, yes, my lady." He managed to say as he rubbed his forehead. In the corner, I noticed Elladan's shoulders were shaking with laughter. Oh, he will get it later. I vowed. Linderiel looked up at me after my damage was done. With a smile, he chuckled to my clumsiness. "I think I will survive that battle."

I laughed at his joke and was utterly grateful that he was not hurt from my clumsiness. Linderiel looked at me as if he was fascinated by my laughter. When I noticed this, I felt alarmed. My heart constricted with worry. Oh dear, please do not look at me like that. I felt his thumb rub against my skin gently and swiftly I removed my hand that made him frown slightly. "I thank you for the dance Linderiel. You are a good dance and I think I've abused you enough with my… clumsiness."

"I do not mind, my lady." He reached out.

"If you do not mind." I heard from behind. Quickly, I looked over my shoulder to find Aragorn there. Relief filled me for I was truly getting uncomfortable. "I would like to have a dance with lady Amelia."

Linderiel was hesitantly and then spoke up respectfully, "Of course. My lady, I thank you."

I nodded my head and I swiftly went to Aragorn's arms for a dance. I motioned with my mouth a 'thank you'. I did not want to say that out loud with Linderiel so close. It was not right to offend him like that. Aragorn smiled and understood what I meant. Aragorn asked, "How are you doing after the ordeal?"

"I am well. Thank you for asking." I said as we turned in place and followed the motion of the dance.

"Good, most people do not handle the wilds well but I am impressed that you did." Aragorn compliment as we danced around the room. There were a few times were I accidently stepped on his foot. But he brushed it off like it was nothing and smiled at me.

"Well, I did train for it." I said nonchalantly as I shrugged my shoulders.

"No you trained for archery, not for the outside world." He countered firmly.

"Well…" I shrugged again as I tired to find the right words to say, "I guess... I'm a natural."

He chuckled to my answer and nodded in agreement. "Indeed."

The song finally came to an end. Aragorn and I stopped in the middle of the dance floor. For formal reasons, I bowed my head to him and thanked him for the dance. That was when Arwen approached from behind and flashed me a smile before she stole Aragorn for a dance. I smiled and shook my head as I left the dance floor. I hurried before anyone could ask to dance with me. I inched toward the balcony for I desired fresh air especially after Linderiel. What was all that about? I had spent time with him in the garden because it was for my studies. Was he… was he fond of me?

I sighed deeply and ran my hand through my hair. Opps, my hair was in a braid and some of my strands were tugged out. Nessa and Selemala were not going to be pleased. I frown and leaned my forearms on the balcony rail. The night sky was dark and cloudless. The stars were free to twinkle like diamonds, which made me smile. My sensitive ears picked up soft footsteps and I immediately recognized the rhythm. Without needed to look over my shoulder, I knew Glorfindel approached. He stood next to me on the balcony as my eyes glanced his way without turned my head.

He was dress in grey elvish attire. It was similar to Elladan's clothing but simpler. That did not surprise me. Glorfindel was not one to show off. His radiate silver hair was tied back in an elvish hairstyle and his blue eyes stared up at the sky. He was so…. Dreaming. I scolded myself and turned my eyes away. Stop that! Why must he make my heart beat faster than usual.

"You look beautiful, my lady." He complimented. I smiled shyly at him and dropped my gaze to the ground. I suppressed the hopefulness in my heart for I knew it was a friendly compliment and nothing more. Swiftly, I turned back to the star to find solace in them. Glorfindel spoke up in low voice, "I am sorry… for before. I never met to make you feel like I was angry with you Amelia." He started apologetically as I turned and stared into his blue eyes. I longed for those eyes… He began again, "Know this, I do care for you. I wish no harm would come to you, especially on my behave. That's why I was... Upset before."

"It is alright, Glorfindel." I said back, I melted into a soft smile. It did explain why he acted so… indifferent before. I sighed and looked back up at the sky.

"Do you wish to do archery tomorrow?" He inquired.

I was about to say yes when I remembered that Lady Ethel would schedule my days out until I've graduated or something rather. I frown and answered, "Lady Ethel is to schedule my days now… I would have to see what she had planned."

"Of course." He responded and nodded his head. "My lady, I will return to the ball room. You have a lovely night." He said kindly as he grabbed my hand and gently kissed it. Swiftly, he turned and left me on the balcony as I watched him leave.

I sighed despondently and turned back. After he left, Lord Elrond approached. Swiftly, I straightened myself my back and stood tall. When he was next to me on the balcony, I offered him a smile and he smiled back. There was a short silence between us when Lord Elrond said, "I hear nothing but your praises. Arwen told me you saved her life."

I blushed under his stare as I remembered when we were in the second battle and Arwen was cornered by three orcs. With a hesitantly nodded, I stated in a soft tone, "It was from all that training that you insisted."

"Indeed." Lord Elrond agreed with a small smile.

I swallowed hard when I turned to him to give my full attention. "My lord" I began unsure and my word fell from my mouth. Lord Elrond waited patiently and he raised an eyebrow in curiously, …" I… I just wanted to say thank you for everything. You accepted me into your home and even took me in as a foster child… your child. I could never pay that back."

Lord Elrond natural stern face softened as he smiled softly at me. His eyes held tenderness and he said, "I did not wish that you pay."

I furrowed my eyebrows and inquired, "What do you wish for my lord?"

"Your happiness" He stated determinedly, his eyes stared off in the distance but not truly looking, "When you first arrived here, you were lost. The unhappiest elf I've met. Your eyes were empty with no life." He looked back at me as he slowly came to a pause.

My heart dropped to his confession as I remembered it well. I was lost and utterly unhappy. Salty tears burned my eyes when I came to that realization and my heart constricted painfully. I looked to the ground shyly when I felt a hand under my chin. He forced me to look at him as a soft smile developed on his thin lips, "And look at you now. You shine like a star from the heavens."

I felt a suddenly chill ran down my back from his moving speech. Joy filled me, as I couldn't help but smile. A single tear rolled from the corner of my eyes and I pursed my lips. Lord Elrond frowned, "You cry."

My eye snapped to him in worry for I gave him the impression. "I… " I began hesitantly as my voice broke. I swallowed hard and confessed with raw emotion in my voice, "Never before had someone cared as much as you do or your household. Not even my own…. family… Thank you."

Lord Elrond face changed to sorrow. I've told him of my family several months ago and I knew this was the cause of his sorrow. My family did not live up to their expectation. Lord Elrond gently drawn me into a soft embrace as tears escaped my tight closed eyelids and onto Lord Elrond's attire.

Lord Elrond pulled away and gently wiped my tears from my cheek. He offered a smile before he suddenly changed the subject. "Linderiel had asked after you."

I stiffen suddenly. "Has he?"

"He asked my permission to court you." Lord Elrond declared with a firm voice. "Judging by your face, I can see you are not pleased."

I sighed and wiped the wetness on my cheeks and willed my raw emotion away. "Linderiel is a good man and do not get me wrong but I do not feel the same way."

Lord Elrond sighed and it was clear that he hoped I did have feeling for Linderiel. "Then I will tell him."

"No!" I almost shout a little too loudly. I calmed myself and spoke rationally, "I will. Its better that he hears it from me."

A new respect fills his eyes as he nodded. He was pleased with my answer. "I wanted to discuss about your dreams."

I bit my lip and nodded my head in agreement, "May we talk tomorrow? I will explain everything, I promise." I vowed in aching voice. At least I could try to explain everything. It was still hard to grasp but I'll piece it together the best way that I could. He nodded and smiled with relief. For tonight, I want to forget about Nalana and her task. With that, he turned and returned to the ballroom. I stared up at the night sky a little long before I ventured back to the ballroom.

To be continued...

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